VW teases 'high-tech' SUV concept for Beijing

Automakers generally remain pretty tight-lipped when it comes to talking about concepts on the eve of their respective debuts. Even though the Beijing auto show's media days start next week, Volkswagen's rolling out a couple pictures and some information regarding the concept it will display.

The currently unnamed concept is, according to Volkswagen, a luxury SUV, and one of the most advanced, at that. It'll rock a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with a net output of 376 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Full-electric range is said to be 31 miles, and the company claims the car will achieve 78 mpg on the European fuel-economy cycle.

Its exterior design looks pretty similar to other Volkswagen concepts of late, with slim headlights, loads of LED elements and the same squarish lower-fascia lights that we've seen on the electric BUDD-e concept and the production e-Golf.

Inside, we're likely to be met with loads of screens, since VW claims the concept represents the "continued digitalization of the automobile." It promises a "lounge-style interior," which is to say the chairs probably swing around, as well. Since it's a concept, I would be surprised if there weren't a whole bunch of pie-in-the-sky elements involved.

We'll figure out the whole story next week, when the concept debuts in Beijing.